High speed can printing machine

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to an automatic coating and printing machine wherein can bodies and like tubular members are automatically positioned on mandrels and thereafter serially presented to coating and printing blankets wherein the necessary coating and printing is effected thereon with the mandrels being rotated as the can bodies carried thereby contact the blankets of the coating and printing cylinders to transfer coating and printing materials to the can bodies. Thereafter, the appropriately coated and printed can bodies are automatically transferred from the mandrels to another conveyor. The mandrels are so mounted wherein when no can body is on a mandrel, the mandrel does not come into contact with the printing or coating blankets.

United States Patent Szpitalak June 17, 1975 [54] HIGH SPEED CANPRINTING MACHINE 3.469 70 9 1969 Cartwright 101 40 ux 75 Inventor:Wesley .I. Szpitalak, Palos Park, Ill. @1222??? :jjjj [73] Assignee;Communal can Company Inc. 3,567,043 3/1971 Sirvet 6i al. 101/40 ux NewYork, NlY. 3,616.778 ll/l97l Strvet et al ICU/40 UX [22] Filed: Sept1973 Primary Examiner-Ronald Feldbaum [211 App! 399 2 Attorney Agent, orFirm-Diller, Brown, Ramik &

Related U.S. Application Data Wight [62] Division of Ser. No. 242,1l0, Aril 7, 1972, Pat No.

3,786,747, which is a division r Ser. NO. 501,372. {57] ABSTRACT Oct 22,1965. Pat No, 3.683.799. This disclosure relates to an automatic coatingand printing machine wherein can bodies and like tubular 8/239; 118/230;members are automatically positioned on mandrels 118/2 101/40 andthereafter serially presented to coating and print- [5 l] Int. Cl. B05c11/00 ing blankets wherein the necessary coating and print- [58] Field0f Search 1 ing is effected thereon with the mandrels being rotated 0l/4v 38, 36 3 5. 2 98/22, 20; as the can bodies carried thereby contact theblankets 190/131 of the coating and printing cylinders to transfercoating and printing materials to the can bodies. Thereaf- [56lReference-S Ci e ter, the appropriately coated and printed can bodiesUNITED STATES PATENTS are automatically transferred from the mandrels toan- 2.746,421 5 1956 Biddulph 118/46 conveyor- The mandrels are2,796,164 6/1957 Hakogi ll8/233 ux wherein when no can y is on amandrelthe 2 950,805 8/[960 Heimlicher et al. H8146 X drel does not comeinto contact with the printing or 3,166176 1/l965 coating blankets.3,23L06l l/l966 3279.360 10/1966 Smith 6161 101/40 6 Clam, 25 DrawingFlgures e aoiof PATENTEDJUN 1 7 I975 SHEEY wO N9 OmN SHE?

PATENTEDJUN 17 ms NNN mwm 1 HIGH SPEED CAN PRINTING MACHINE This is adivision of Ser. No. 242,1 l0, filed Apr. 7, 1972, US. Pat. No.3,786,747 which is a division of Ser. No. 501,372, filed Oct. 22, i965,now US. Pat. No. 3,683,799.

This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements inprinting machines, and more specificially to a novel printing machinewhich is particularly adapted for the high speed printing of can bodies.

Can bodies are principally formed from a flat blank which is shaped intocylindrical form and then secured together by means of a longitudinalseam. When it is desired to have the decoration directly applied to theexterior surface of such can bodies, the flat blanks can be printed inany conventional manner. However, recently there has been an increase inthe demand for can bodies which are not formed from flat blanks andtherefore cannot be printed or decorated in advance. There has beendeveloped printing presses for printing on these can bodies after theformation thereof. How ever, these printing presses or machines whichhave been developed in the past are too slow. A customary type ofprinting machine is one having a plurality of mandrels carried by aturret with each mandrel being indexed sequentially into positionrelative to a printing drum and while the mandrel is in its indexedposition, the can body carried thereby is presented to the printingdrum. The cost of printing can bodies with this type of equipment isprohibitly expensive.

In view of the foregoing, it is the principal object of this inventionto provide a novel high speed can printing machine which is capable ofcontinuously printing can bodies and with the capacity of the machinebeing many times that of prior machines whereby the utiliza tion of themachine is economically feasible.

ln accordance with this invention it is proposed to provide a novel highspeed can printing machine which includes an endless conveyor havingmandrels projecting laterally therefrom, and there being provided meansfor automatically positioning can bodies on the mandrels and removingprinted can bodies therefrom, the machine further providing novel meansfor presenting the moving can bodies carried by the mandrels to aprinting drum whereby the necessary printing on the can bodies can beaccomplished while the movement of the can bodies remains continuous.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel relationship betweenan endless chain having mandrels projecting therefrom and a printingdrum, the chain passing around a sprocket having the same axis ofrotation as the printing drum and the mandrels carried by the chainbeing disposed parallel to that axis and closely adjacent the printingdrum whereby as the chain passes around the sprocket, can bodies carriedby the mandrels are sequentially presented to the printing drum and thenecessary printing is effected.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel printingapparatus which includes a shaft having mounted thereon for rotationtherewith a sprocket, there also being mounted on the shaft for rotationa printing drum with the speed of rotation of the printing drum beingdifferent from that of the shaft, and there being entrained over aportion of the sprocket an endless chain conveyor having mandrelsprojecting laterally therefrom for positioning parallel to and closelyadjacent to the printing surface of the printing drum, the relativemovement of the surface of the printing drum with respect to themandrels effecting the rotation of the can bodies carried by the mandreland thus causing printing thereon by the surface of the printing drum.

Another object of this invention is to provide a printing apparatus ofthe type set forth above wherein each mandrel is automatically tiltedwith respect to the printing drum so as to be spaced from the printingdrum and there is associated with each mandrel a support which willautomatically bring the mandrel back to a position parallel to theprinting drum when a can body is carried thereby in a manner so as toassure the proper printing of the can body and at the same time assuringthe spacing of the mandrel from the surface of the printing drum when nocan body is positioned thereon to prevent the accidental coating of themandrel.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel endless chain andmandrel assembly for use as part of a high speed printing machine forcan bodies, the endless chain having special links formed therein atregularly spaced intervals and the mandrels being carried by the speciallinks for rotation, each of the special links having a bearing unit orhub in which the mandrel is ro tatably journalled, and there beingcarried by each hub a plurality of link elements whcih are mounted forlimited pivotal movement whereby flexing of the chain with respect tothe axis of the hub may be accom plished in opposite directions,

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel high speed canprinting machine which is so constructed to occupy a minimum of spaceand at the same time provide for the automatic loading and discharge ofcan bodies and the application thereto first of a printing coating andthen an overcoating of varnish.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel inking train fora printing drum which provides for the application of an even coating ofink to the printing drum, the inking train including a drum inking rollwhich has first applied thereto a relatively heavy coating of ink andthen a relatively light coating of ink, the light coating of ink fillingin and smoothing out the first applied heavy coating of ink,

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus forautomatically applying can bodies to a mandrel, the apparatus includinga turret having pockets therein for receiving can bodies and there beingprovided a feed screw for positioning can bodies to be received by thepockets of the turret, and there being associated with each pocket ofthe turret a pusher which will push from the turret pocket a can bodywhen the mandrel is in alignment with the turret pocket.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description, the appended claims and theseveral views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the can printingmachine and shows the relationship of the various components thereof.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the drive mechanism of thecan printing machine and is taken from the opposite sides thereof fromthat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the function of the pusher forapplying a can body to a mandrel.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the apparatus for bringing a can bodysurface into contact with the printing blanket of the printing drum.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the details of the apparatus forbringing the printed can bodies into contact with the drum blanket ofthe varnisher.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a section ofthe endless conveyor chain and the general details of a mandrel carriedthereby.

FIGv 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view takenalong the line 77 of FIG. 6 and shows the specific details of theconstruction of the mandrel and the special link of the chain in whichthe mandrel is rotatably journalled.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a portion of a sprocket havingentrained thereover the chain of FIG. 6 and shows the relationship ofthe special link of the chain with respect to the sprocket.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the printing machine and shows only thatportion thereof appearing at the righthand half of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view takenalong the line I010 of FIG. 9 and shows specifically the details of theupper part of the can printing machine.

FIG. II is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sec tional view takenalong the line 1III of FIG. 9 and shows specifically the details of thecarrier mounting the pushers for effecting the placing of can bodies onthe mandrels.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken alongthe line 12-12 of FIG. 9 and shows the specific details of the head ofthe pusher and the relationship thereof with respect to a can body.

FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the lower portionof the printing machine and shows specifically the details of both theprinting apparatus and the varnishing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view takenalong the line 14l4 of FIG. 13 and shows the details of the lower halfof the printing ma chine.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal seetional view takenalong the line l5l5 of FIG. 13 and shows the specific details of themounting of the supports which cooperate with the mandrels to presentcan bodies to the printing drum.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary tranverse vertical sectional viewtaken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 13 and shows the specific details ofthe head of the support and the relationship thereof to a can bodycarried by the mandrel.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar toFIG. 16 and shows the support of FIG. 16 having a modified form of headfor engagement with can bodies of the type having integral closed ends.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line18-18 of FIG. 14 and shows more specifically the details of the printingapparatus.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken alongthe line l9-19 of FIG. 18 and shows the specific details of the sprocketassociated with the printing drum and the means carried thereby forautomatically urging the mandrels away from the blanket of the printingdrum.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken alongthe line 2020 of FIG. 19 and shows further the details of the mechanismfor automatically urging the mandrels away from the printing drum.

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic plan view showing the manner in whicha mandrel is held away from the printing drum when there is no can bodypositioned thereon.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary generally elevational view taken along the line22-22 of FIG. 14 and shows the specific details of a device forinitiating the rotation of a mandrel before it presents a can bodycarried thereby to the blanket of the printing drum.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical view taken along the line2323 of FIG. 22 and shows the manner in which the device of FIG. 22 maybe adjusted.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view taken through the inking train for theprinting drum and shows the relationship of the various inking rollsthereof.

FIG. 25 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken through thevarnishing apparatus along the line 2525 of FIG. 14 and showsspecifically the details thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there areillustrated the details of the can printing machine, which is generallyreferred to by the numeral 30. The can printing machine 30 includesbasically a can feed mechanism, which is generally referred to by thenumeral 31, a printing mechanism or apparatus, which is generallyreferred to by the numeral 32, 2. varnishing apparatus, which isgenerally referred to by the numeral 33, and a can discharge or transferapparatus, which is generally referred to by the numeral 34.

All of these mechanism or apparatus are connected together by an endlessconveyor chain which is referred to by the numeral 35. In view of thefact that the endless conveyor chain 35 is a special chain and plays animportant part in this invention, the details of the conveyor chain 35will be set forth first.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8 in particular, it will be seen that theconveyor chain 35 is for the most part of the conventional type and isof the double row type. However, at regularly spaced intervals, theconveyor chain 35 is provided with special links which are referred toby the numeral 36. It is the constructional detail of the special links36 which make the chain 35 a special chain.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be seen that the speciallink 36 includes a hub or bearing unit which is generally referred to bythe numeral 37. The hub 37 includes a sleeve 38 which has secured in theopposite ends thereof bearing sleeves 39 of the flanged type. The sleeve38 has journalled thereon four special link elements 40, 41, 42 and 43.The link elements 40 and 43 are identical while the link elements 41 and42 are identical. However, it is to be noted that the link elements ofeach pair are reversely positioned on the sleeve 38. As is clear fromFIG. 6, the link element 40 has a single ear 44 projecting to the right.The link element 41 has two ears 45 and 46 projecting to the left. Thelink element 42 has two cars 47 and 48 projecting to the right, and thelink element 43 has a single ear 49 projecting to the left. The ears 44and 45 are in alignment, the ears 46 and 47 are in alignment and theears 48 and 49 are in alignment and are connected to the remaining linksof the chain 35 in a conventional manner.

It will be readily apparent that the link elements 40 and 42 may pivotin unison in one clockwise direction while the link elements 41 and 43are free to pivot in the opposite clockwise direction. Thus, the chainmay pivot about the axis of the special link 36 in opposite directionsin the same manner as it does with respect to any other link thereof.

It is to be noted that the two link elements 41 and 42 have notches inthe opposite faces thereof while the link elements and 43 have notchesin only the inner faces thereof. The notches of the link elements arenot complementary. but each notch is in excess of 180 so as to allowlimited relative pivoting between the link elements to accomplish thenecessary flexibility of the conveyor chain 35.

Each of the special links 36 carries a mandrel which is generallyreferred to by the numeral 51. Each man drel 51 includes a shaft 52which is hollow for a purpose not part of this invention but which isutilized in the mounting and discharging of a can body from the mandrel51. The hollow shaft 52 is rotatably journalled in the bearing sleeve39. A hollow mandrel body 53 is secured to the left end of the shaft 52,as is viewed in FIG. 7, by means of a pin 54. The left end portion ofthe mandrel body 53 has a resilient cover 55 of a size to snugly fitwithin a can body. It is to be noted that the left end of the cover 55is tapered as at 56 to facilitate the positioning of a can body on themandrel 51. It is also to be noted that the right end of the cover 55 isse cured to the mandrel body 53 by means ofa set screw 57.

Each shaft 52 is provided with spacers 58 and 59 at the opposite ends ofthe hub 37. The right end of the shaft 52 carries a conventional camfollower 60 which is secured in place on the shaft 52 by means ofa nut61.

It is to be noted that the right end portion of the rnan drel body 53 isenlarged and has positioned thereon a ring 62. The ring 62 may be of anysuitable wear resistant material through which the mandrel 51 may beretated by frictional engagement therewith. The purpose of the ring 62will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be seen that there isillustrated a typical sprocket which for identification purposes isreferred to by the numeral 63. The sprocket 63 is provided with teeth 64arranged in two rows for normal engagement with the normal links of thechain 35. The sprocket 63 is recessed at regularly spaced intervals at65. The recesses 65 correspond in spacing to the special links 36 andare of suffrcient size to receive the hubs 37. It will be noted fromFIG. I that although the chain 35 is provided with the enlarged links36, due to the specific construction of the links 36, the chain 35 willflex in the opposite direction in the same manner as any otherconventional type of chain.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10 in particular, it will be seen that themain portion of the can printing machine 30 is supported by a framewhich is generally referred to by the numeral 66. The specific detailsof the frame, for the most part, form no part of this invention.However, it is to be understood that the frame 66 does include a pair ofside plates 67 and 68. The can feed mechanism 31 is mounted in the upperportion of the frame 66. The can feed mechanism 31 includes a shaft 69which extends transversely of the frame 66 and which is rotatablyjournalled in suitable bearings 70 and 71 carried by the side plates 67and 68, respectively. The shaft 69 carries a sprocket 72 over which thechain 35 is entrained. The shaft 69 is thus driven by means of the chain35.

The can feed mechanism 31 includes a stub shaft 73 which is carried by ahousing 74 extending from the side plate 67, as is best shown in FIG. 9.The stub shaft 73 carries a sprocket 75 under which the chain 35 passesbefore it passes upwardly and around the sprocket 72. The sprocket 75and the shaft 73 are driven by the chain 35.

A shaft 76 extends across the frame 66 to the left of the shaft 69. Theshaft 76 has the opposite ends thereof rotatably journalled in bearings77 and 78 carried by the side plates 67 and 68, respectively. The shaft76 is driven from the stub shaft 73 by means of a drive chain 80. Thedrive chain 80 is entrained over a drive sprocket 81 carried by the stubshaft 73 and a driven sprocket 82 carried by the shaft 76.

The side plates 67 and 68 are connected together at their upperleft-hand corners by means of a transverse rod 83. The rod 83 supports abracket 84 which is positioned centrally of the frame 66, as isgenerally shown in FIG. 9. The bracket 84, in turn, supports a verticalguide 85 for can bodies which are horizontally disposed. The verticalguide 85 is aligned with the lower end of a chute 86 through which canbodies are delivered to the guide 85. A spiral feed screw 87 ispositioned adjacent the guide 85 for effecting the movement of the canbodies through the guide 85 in a predetermined spaced relation. The feedscrew 87 is carried by a shaft 88 which has its upper end suitablyjournalled in a bearing carried by a plate 89 and its lower end suitablyjournalled in a bearing carried by a plate 90. The plates 89 and 90 arecarried by the bracket 84.

The bracket 84 supports a horizontal shaft 91 which is provided with abevel gear 92 on one end thereof. The bevel gear 92, in turn, engages abevel gear 93 secured to the lower end of the shaft 88 for effecting therotation of the shaft 88. The opposite end of the shaft 91 is providedwith a sprocket 94 which is aligned with a sprocket 95 carried by theshaft 76. A drive chain 96 is entrained over the sprockets 94 and 95 anddrivingly connects the two together so that the shaft 76 is utilized inthe driving of the shaft 88. If desired. an idler sprocket 97 may beprovided for the purpose of adjusting the tension of the chain 96, theidler sprocket 97 being shown in FIG. 9.

.The shaft 76 carries a turret which is generally referred to by thenumeral 98. The turret 98 is formed of a pair of spaced plates 100 whichare mounted on the shaft 76 for rotation therewith. The plates 100 haveseats 101 formed therein for the reception of can bodies from the lowerend of the guide 85. Inasmuch as the plates 100 are rotated in timedrelation to the movement of the can bodies along the guide 85 by thefeed screw 87, it will be seen that each can body has available a seat101 therefor when it reaches the lower end of the guide 85.

The frame 66 also includes a transverse rod 102 which extends betweenthe side plates 67 and 68 and ties together the same. There is mountedon the central portion of the rod 102 a suitable bracket structure 103which, in turn, supports a suitable guide 104. The guide 104 is of asuitable construction for retaining the can bodies within the turret 98as they pass about the lower portion of the travel of the turret 98.

The shaft 69 carries a turret which is generally referred to by thenumeral 105. The turret 105 includes a large center hub member 106 whichis polygonal in outline and which carries a plurality of can body support shoes 107 disposed in circumferentially spaced relation. It is tobe noted that the support shoes [07 are spaced both circumferentiallyand radially in accordance with the path of movement of mandrels 51about the axis of the shaft 69. It is also to be noted that the spacingof the supporting shoes 107 corresponds to the spacing of the pockets101 in the turret 98. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the timing ofthe rotation of the turrets 105 and 98 is such that the pockets 101 arealigned with the support shoes 107 at the point of transfer between thetwo turrets whereby a can body may be readily transferred from theturret 98 to the turret 105.

It is to be understood that when a can body is transferred to the turret105 from the turret 98, the can body is loosely seated in a support shoe107 thereof. In order to prevent the accidental displacement of a canbody radially outwardly of its associated support shoe 107, there iscarried by the bracket 103 a further guide structure, which is referredto by the numeral 108. The guide structure 108 is suitably constructedto retain the can bodies in the support shoes 107 as they move upwardlyand about the top of the turret 105, as viewed in FIG. 10.

As is clearly shown in FIGSv 2 and 9, the shaft 69 also carries forrotation therewith a pusher unit. which is generally referred to by thenumeral 110. The pusher unit 110, as is best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11,includes a hub 111 which is keyed onto the shaft 69. The hub 111 carriesa pair of support wheels 112 which are spaced axially of the shaft 69.The support wheels 112, in turn. support sleeves 113 which extendparallel to the shaft 69 and which are aligned with the support shoes107 of the turret 105. The sleeves 113 have positioned therein shafts114 which are mounted for reciprocatory movement parallel to the shaft69. The shafts 114 are keyed by means of keys 115 to their respectivesleeves 113 so as to fix the shafts 114 against rotation.

The pusher unit 110 also includes a cam track 116 which is fixedlymounted on the side frame plate 68. The cam 116 is cylindrical inoutline and is concentric about the axis of the shaft 69. The stroke ofthe cam 116 is longitudinally of the shaft 69.

It is to be noted that each of the shafts 114 is pro vided at the endthereof remote from the turret 105 with a cam follower 117. Each camfollower 117 has a monting fastener 118 which extends generally normalto the axis of its associated shaft 114. The cam follower of each shaft114 rides in the cam 116 and effects the reciprocation of the respectiveshaft 114 in timed relation to the rotation of the pusher unit 110.

Referring now to FIG. 12 in particular, it will be seen that each of theshafts 114 is provided at the end thereof remote from the cam follower117 thereof with a reduced end portion 119. The reduced end portion 119has suitably secured thereon, such as by means of a threaded connection120, a head 121. The head 121 may be locked in place by means of a setscrew 122. The head 121 has a resilient cushion 123 suitably secured onthe free end thereof with the cushion 123 being particularly shaped forengaging an end of a can body and exerting an axial force thereon in amanner so as to not to damage the can body in any manner whatsoever.

It will be apparent from FIG. 9 that as a can body moves about the axisof the shaft 69 in supporting relation by means of the turret 105, it isaligned with both a mandrel 51 and one of the shafts 114. Thisrelationship is maintained through at least 360 of the rotation of a canbody about the shaft 69. As the can body rotates about shaft 69, theshaft 114 associated therewith is advanced towards the aligned mandrel51 and first comes into engagement with the adjacent end of a can body.After the head 121 of the particular shaft 114 engages the associatedend of the can body, it begins to move the can body axially cut of itsassociated support shoe 107. The movement of the can body axially of theshaft 69 results in the can body open end freely passing over themandrel 51 in the manner generally shown schematically in FIG. 3 andspecifically in FIG. 9. The stroke of the cam 116 is such so as toeffect the full seating of a can body on an associated mandrel 51. As isclearly shown in FIG. 3 diagrammatically, the shape of the cam 116 issuch to provide for the automatic projection and retraction of theshafts 114 sufficient to effect the necessary transfer of can bodiesfrom the turret to the mandrels 51 in timed relation to the rotation ofthe shaft 69.

After a can body has been properly positioned on a mandrel 51, it ismoved towards the printing apparatus 32. As is best shown in FIG. 18,the printing apparatus 32 includes a shaft 125 which extendstransversely of the frame 66 and is suitably rotatably journalled inbearings 126 and 127 carried by the side plates 67 and 68',respectively. The shaft 125 has mounted thereon for rotation therewith asprocket 128. The sprocket 128 is disposed adjacent the side plate 67and has entrained thereover the chain 35 with the chain passing aroundthe sprocket in the direction best shown in FIG. 14.

A printing drum, which is generally referred to by the numeral 130 isrotatably journalled on the central portion of the shaft 125 adjacentthe sprocket 128. The printing drum 130 includes a hub 131 which issupported on the shaft for rotation by means of bearings 132. A suitablesupport structure 133 extends outwardly from the hub 131. Inasmuch asthe support structure 133 in itself plays no part in this invention, itwill not be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, thatthe support structure 133 may be of any conventional type and isparticularly adapted to support a plurality of blankets 134 which arealso ofa conventional construction. The blankets 134 are separatelyremovable and the preferred embodiment of the invention has fourblankets 134 which are of like construction and which are equally spacedabout the periphery of the printing drum 130.

Referring once again to FIG. 18, it will be seen that the hub 131 isprovided at the end thereof adjacent the sprocket 128 wigh a drive gear135 which is in the form of a sun gear of a planetary gear unit. It willalso be seen that the sprocket 128 functions as a carrier and supports aplurality of bearing sleeves 136 in which there are rotatably journalledplanetary shafts. At the inner end of each planetary shaft there ispositioned a planetary gear 137 which is meshed with the sun gear 135.The outer end of each planetary shaft is provided with a planetary gear138 which is in meshing engagement with an internal ring gear 139. Theinternal ring gear 139 is fixedly secured to a support plate 144 whichis part of the frame 66 and is disposed adjacent to and generallyparallel to the side plate 67.

It will he readily apparent that as the sprocket I28 rotates with theshaft I25. the planetary shafts carried by the hearing sleeves I36 willrotate ahout the axis of the shaft I25. As a result. the planetary gearsI38 will reduce the fixed internal ring gear I3) and effect the rotationof the planetary gears I37 which, in turn. will effect the rotationofthe printing drum I30 through the driving of the sun gear I35. It isto he understood that the printing drum I30 will rotate in the samedirection and at a greater rate than the shaft I25.

It is preferred that the printing apparatus he of the multiple colortype. Accordingly. there is associated with the printing drum I30 aplurality of inking trains I40. 'lhc inking traitis I40 are descrihed intnore detail hereinafter However. it is to he noted that the printingdrum I30 carries a large drive gear I4I which is engaged with a drivengear I42 carried by a main shaft I43 ofeach of the inking trains I40.The shaft I43, hy means of suitahle gearing (not shownl drives theremainder of the inking train It will he readily apparent from ll(i. I8that the axial relationship ofthe mandrels SI and the hlankets I34 ofthe printing drum I30 is such that can hodies carried by the mandrels Iare axially aligned with the hlankets I34 so that printing may heeffected on the exterior surfaces of the can hodies hy the hlankets I34.

It will he seen from llti. I8 that the outer end ofeach mandrel 5| issupported at the time a can hody carried therehy is presented to thehlankets I34 by means of a cam track I45. 'l'he catn track I45 hasreceived therein the cam follower 60 of each mandrel. The relationshipof the cam followers 60 and the cam track I45 aids in radiallypositioning the mandrels 5|. However, due to the rounded configurationof the outer surface of each cam follower 60, pivoting of the mandrels51 away from and towards the printing drum I may he accomplished.

Referring now to I"l( i8. I), 20 and 2I, it will he seen there isillustrated the details of the sprocket I28. 'lhe sprocket I28 includesa rim I46 which is supported by a plurality of spokes I47. 'lhe spokesI47 are aligned with pockets or seats I48 for the special links 36 ofthcchain 35. 'l'he rim I46 is provided with conventional teeth I50 adjacentthe seat I48.

Iiaeh of the spokes I47 carries a camming memher I5l on the innersurface thereof in alignment with the associated scat I48. lhe catnmingmemher I5I is carried hy a rod I52 which is slidahly mounted in a guidehlock I53 for radial movement. The camming metnher I5I is spring loadedradially outwardly hy means of a spring I54. ()utward movement of thecamming mem her I5I is limited hy a collar I55 carried hy the rod I52.As is clear from ll( L 2|. when one of the special liitks 36 is seatedin an associated seat I48 of the sprocket I28. the special link 36 isengaged hy the asst ciated camniing memher ISI and is urged outwardlywith the result that the special link 36 and the associated mandrel 5|is cocked in the direction clearly shown in I'lti. 2|. As a result. themandrel 5I is moved away from the path of the associated hlankets I34 ofthe printing drum I30. This particular relationship prevents theaccidental contact of the mandrel 5I With the printing hlankets in theevent no can hody is disposed thereon. therehy preventing the undesiredcoating of the covering 55 with ink.

In order to facilitate the movement of the can hodics so that they willhe engaged hy the hlankets I34. there is associated with the printingdrum I30 a support as semhly which is generally referred to by thenumeral I57. The support assembly I57 includes a turret struc ture I58which is carried hy the shaft I25 for rotation therewith. The turretstructure I58 includes a snitahlc huh I59 which is lixcdly secured tothe shaft I25. Ilie turret structure I58 has supported in the outerportion thereof axially extending hearing sleeves I60. the hearingsleeves I60 have the same spacing as the pockets I48 of the sprocket I28and are aligned therewith. In each hearing sleeve I60 there ispositioned an inter mediate portion of a shaft I6I which is keyedrelative to the hearing sleeve I60 to prevent the rotation thereof. Theouter end of each of the shafts I6I is provided with a cam follower I62which is seated in a cam track I63. 'l'he cam track I63 is fixedly:secured to the side plate 66'.

Reference is now made to FIG. I6 wherein there is illustrated the innerend of one of the shafts I6I. The inner end ofeach shaft I6I is of atuhular construction and a snitahle hearing assembly I64 is positionedtherein In the hearing assetnhly there is rotatahly iour nallcd a shaftI65 which is provided at the projecting end thereof with a head I66particularly adapted t'oi engagement with the associated end of a canhody car ried hy one ofthe tnandrcls 5]. It is to he noted that the headI66 has a tapered surface I67 so as to permit the automatic alignment ofthe mandrel 5| with the shaft I6I as the head I66 enters into the end ofthe en hody. A suitahle thrust hearing I68 is provided at til oppositeend of the shaft I65 to carry the thrust im posed upon the shaft I65 asthe head I66 enters into a can hody. It is to he noted that the head I66and the associated shaft I65 is free to rotate while the shaft I6l isfixed against rotation,

It is also to he noted that the head I66 is interchange ahly mounted onthe shaft I65 and is held in place hy means of a set screw I69. In FIG.I7 there is illustrated a modified form of head which is referred to hythe nu meral I70. The head I70 has a socket type seat I7l which includesa tapered surface I72 for engaging a closed end can hody on the externalsurface thereof. It is to he understood that the head I70 will alsofunction to effect the alignment ofa mandrel with the associated shaftI6I.

Reference is now made to the schematic shown llt l-'I(i. 4. It will heseen that when a can hody and than drel 5I first start movement ahoutthe printing drum I30. the camming memher I5I will retain the can hodyin radially spaced relation with respect to the hlankets I34 ofthcprinting drum. At the proper time. when the can hody is disposed hctweenadjacent hlankets. the associated shaft 16] will move axially of theshaft of the printing drum and will come into engagement with the canhody carried hy the mandrel. 'lhe eo-aetion of the head I66 of the shaftI6I and the can hody will result in the radial movement of the can hodyand mandrel towards the center of the printing drum I30 with the resultthat the can hody will come into position lot contact with theovertaking hlanket I34. Inasmuch tls the printing drum I30 is turningfaster than the can hody is heing conveyed. although the can hody andthe printing drum are hoth moving about the axis of the printing drum ina counterclockwise direction. the can hody will he rotated ahout itsaxis hy its engagement with the printing drum hlanket I34. It is to hetlndct stood that the relative movement of the hlanket I34 with respectto the can body will be such that a complete rotation of the can bodywill be effected while it is in contact with the printing drum. Afterthe complete revoiution of the can body has been effected and the canbody has passed off of the blanket, the shaft 161 will be withdrawn topermit the can body to pass on to the next station.

It will be readily apparent that it is preferred that the mandrels 51 berotating as the can bodies carried thereby come into engagement with theblankets of the printing drum. As a result, there is positioned adjacentthe path of the mandrels 51 as they approach the print ing drum 130 anaccelerator ramp structure which is generally referred to by the numeral175. The accelerator ramp structure 175 is carried by a support rod 176which extends inwardly from the side plate 67, as is shown in FIG. 22. Acollar 177 is mounted on the rod 176 and carries a support arm 178. Thesupport arm 178 is adjustable about the rod 176 by means ofa shaft 179which has one end thereof rotatably journalled in the plate 67 as at180. The opposite end of the shaft 179 is in the form of an eccentric181 which is journalled within the arm 178. The shaft 179 is providedwith an enlarged head 182 to facilitate the rotation thereof to adjustthe arm 178.

The arm 178 carries an accelerator ramp 183 which has one end thereofpivotally connected to the arm 178 by means of a pivot shaft 184. Theopposite end of the accelerator ramp 183 is adjustably mounted and iscarried by a rod 184 having a head 185 which is secured to theaccelerator ramp 183. The rod 184 passes through a block 186 carried bythe arm 178 and is retained in an adjusted position by means of locknuts 187. It is to be understood that the accelerator ramp 183 ispositioned for contact by ring members 62 of mandrels 51 toautomatically effect the rotation of the mandrels as they pass along theaccelerator ramp 183.

After the chain 35 passes around the sprocket 128 of the printingapparatus 32, it passes in a clockwise direction around and below asprocket 190 which is carried by a stub shaft 191. The mounting of thestub shaft 191 and the details of the sprocket 190 play no part in thisinvention, and therefore, will not be more specifically describedhereinafter.

The chain 35 next passes around a sprocket 192 of the varnishingapparatus 33 to effect the application of a varnish overcoat to thepreviously printed can bodies.

Referring now to FIG. 25 in particular, it will be seen that thevarnishing apparatus 33 includes a shaft 193 which extends between theside plates 67 and 68' and is rotatably journalled in bearings 194 and195 carried by the side plates 67 and 68', respectively. The sprocket192 is fixedly secured to the shaft 193 and is utilized for the purposeof driving the shaft 193 in addition to the presentation of can bodiesto the varnishing apparatus 33 in timed sequence. The varnishingapparatus 33 includes a varnishing drum, gene ally referred to by thenumeral 196. The varnishing drum 196 is of the same general constructionas the printing drum 130 and will not be described in more detail hereexcept to state that it does include a hub 197 which is rotatablyjournalled on the shaft 193 and has replaceable blankets 198 whichcorrespond to the blankets 134.

The varnishing drum 196 is driven by a planetary gear unit from thesprocket 192 in the same manner as is the printing drum 130.

It will be seen that the varnishing drum 196 has attached thereto a sungear 200 which is driven by planetary gears 20] which are carried byplanetary shafts rotatably journalled in bearing sleeves 202 fixedlysecured to the sprocket 192 functioning as a carrier. The planetaryshafts have planetary gears 204 on the opposite ends thereof which aremeshed with an internal ring gear 205 carried by the plate 144 of theframe 66. Further description of the manner in which the varnishing drum196 is driven at a speed greater than the shaft 198 is believed to beunnecessary.

It is to be understood that the sprocket 192 is of the same constructionas the sprocket 128 so that the mandrels 51 are normally urged away fromthe blankets 198 of the varnishing drum 196. Furthermore, the mandrelsare positioned radially by means of a cam track 206 which has engagedtherein the cam follower 60. In addition, there is associated with thevarnishing drum a support unit which is generally referred to by thenumeral 207 and which corresponds to the support unit 157 associatedwith the printing drum 130. Like the support unit 157, the support unit207 has a cam track 208 for effecting the timed reciprocation of pushershafts 161 carried thereby. Inasmuch as the structural details of thesupport unit at 207 and the function thereof is substantially the sameas that of the support unit 157. the structural details thereof will beidentified by the same reference numerals and further description willnot be made.

Referring now to FIG. 5 in particular, it will be seen that there isillustrated diagrammatically the outline of the cam track 208. It willbe seen that the cam track 208 is so shaped so as to effect theengagement of can bodies when the can bodies are between the blankets198 of the varnishing drum 196 and holds them in the proper relativeposition with respect to the blankets 198 to effect a completevarnishing overcoat.

It is to be understood that the can bodies are rotated by the blankets198 of the varnishing drum 196. It is however, desired that the canbodies be rotated prior to the time they are presented to the blankets198. Accordingly, an accelerator ramp structure 210 is posi tionedadjacent the path of the can bodies as they pass from the sprocket tothe varnishing drum 196. The accelerator ramp structure 210 is carriedby a support rod 211 and is otherwise identical with the acceleratorramp structure 175. Accordingly, no further description of the detailsthereof will be made here, and like parts will be referred to by likereference numerals.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 25, it will be seen that there will beillustrated the details of a varnish supply train which is generallyreferred to by the numeral 212. The varnish supply train 212 includes asuitable supply pan 213 which is adjustably mounted by means ofadjustable supports 214 which will not be described in de tail. A pickuproll 215 rotates within the pan 213 and transfers varnish to a roll 216which, in turn, transfers varnish to the blankets 198 ofthe varnishingdrum 196. It is to be understood that the rolls 215 and 216 aresupported by a suitable support structure 217 which also supports thepan 213.

The drive for the rolls 215 and 216 is accomplished by means of a drivechain 218 which is entrained about a sprocket 220 carried by the shaft193 adjacent the plate 144. The drive chain 218 passes around a drivensprocket 221 which is carried by a stub shaft 222 which is suitablysupported by a bearing assembly 223 which,

1. A can body printing machine comprising an endless continuously movingconveyor chain having separately rotatable evenly spaced can bodyreceiving mandrels projecting from one side thereof, a plurality ofsprockets supporting said chain for movement about a twisting endlesspath, means for automatically placing can bodies on said mandrels, aprinting apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels forprinting on the exteriors of can bodies while carried by said mandrelsas the can bodies pass said printing apparatus in a first rotationaldirection, a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of saidmandrels for applying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodiesas the printed can bodies pass said varnishing apparatus in a secondrotational direction, and means for automatically removing printed andvarnished can bodies from said mandrels.
 2. The printing machine ofclaim 1 wherein each of said printing apparatus and said varnishingapparatus includes a shaft, means mounting said shaft for rotation, asprocket secured to one end portion of said shaft for rotationtherewith, a coating drum rotatably journalled on said shaft, a geartrain coupling said shaft and sprocket to said drum for rotating saiddrum relative to said shaft, said chain being entrained over saidsprocket for moving said mandrels around said shaft generally parallelto said shaft and adjacent said drum.
 3. The printing apparatus of claim1 wherein said means for placing can bodies on said mandrels includes aturret having pockets for receiving and supporting can bodies, saidpockets moving in alignment with said mandrels for a portion of themandrel travel, and pushers for pushing can bodies from said turretpockets onto said mandrels, and a feed screw for positioning can bodiesin spaced relation for reception in said turret.
 4. The printingapparatus of claim 1 together with chain reversing means intermediatesaid printing apparatus and said varnishing apparatus.
 5. A can bodyprinting machine comprising an endless continuously moving conveyorchain having evenly spaced can body receiving mandrels projecting fromone side thereof, a plurality of sprockets supporting said chain formovement about a twisting endless path, means for automatically placingcan bodies on said mandrels, a printing apparatus positioned adjacentthe path of said mandrels for printing on the exteriors of can bodiescarried by said mandrels as the can bodies pass said printing apparatus,a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels forapplying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodies as the printedcan bodies pass said varnishing apparatus, and means for automaticallyremoving printed and varnished can bodies from said mandrels, each ofsaid printing apparatus and said varnishing apparatus including a shaft,means mounting said shaft for rotation, a spRocket secured to one endportion of said shaft for rotation therewith, a coating drum rotatablyjournalled on said shaft, a gear train coupling said shaft and sprocketto said drum for rotating said drum relative to said shaft, said chainbeing entrained over said sprocket for moving said mandrels around saidshaft generally parallel to said shaft and adjacent said drum.
 6. A canbody printing machine comprising an endless continuously moving conveyorchain having evenly spaced can body receiving mandrels projecting fromone side thereof, a plurality of sprockets supporting said chain formovement about a twisting endless path, means for automatically placingcan bodies on said mandrels, a printing apparatus positioned adjacentthe path of said mandrels for printing on the exteriors of can bodiescarried by said mandrels as the can bodies pass said printing apparatus,a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels forapplying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodies as the printedcan bodies pass said varnishing apparatus, and means for automaticallyremoving printed and varnished can bodies from said mandrels, said meansfor placing can bodies on said mandrels including a turret havingpockets for receiving and supporting can bodies, said pockets moving inalignment with said mandrels for a portion of the mandrel travel, andpushers for pushing can bodies from said turret pockets onto saidmandrels, and a feed screw for positioning can bodies in spaced relationfor reception in said turret.